Advanced Math Pathways
Program Overview
Weekly Program Handouts
Advanced Math Pathways Program Overview
The goal of this program is to provide access to educational pathways
leading to STEM careers. Starting in 4th grade, students will have the
opportunity to accelerate their math learning so that they can complete
Algebra 1 and/or Geometry for high school credit by the end of 8th grade.
Components
- Raising Accustomed Work Level. Students are required to complete a
baseline level of work every week, and are challenged to complete twice
this amount of work to earn participation in rigorous STEM enrichment
opportunities. Students are expected to complete most work independently.
Every week includes problem solving with a solution writing requirement,
skill practice work, and an enrichment experience involving art,
programming, or measurement.
- Learning for Mastery. Students are required to pass a sequence of 20
quizzes each year to show mastery of key math concepts for the grade
level, attempting at least one quiz per week on quiz day. Students retake
versions of these quizzes until they pass with a score of at least 80%.
- STEM Enrichment. Students are invited to participate in STEM
enrichment opportunities each week if they completed enough work the
previous week. These activities are designed to expose students to STEM
careers, and to allow them to develop skill sets important for these
careers.
Logistics
- Recruitment. Students are recruited early in the year (or before the
year begins if that is practical) by participating in hands-on activities
typical of those included in the program. Students are nominated by the
school based on scores or teacher recommendations. Eligible students are
invited to apply after learning more about the program. Interested
students complete an application form including a letter explaining why
they are interested, and a parent signature. No more than 25 students are
included in a single class.
- Behavioral Expectations. Students in the Advanced Math Pathways
program must maintain the baseline level of work, work productively on an
independent basis, and refrain from behaviors that are disruptive to
other students during instruction or independent work times. Students who
cannot meet these expectations will be warned and then will be asked to
leave if the behavior continues.
- Entry of New Students. Students in other classes may join the
Advanced Math Pathways program at a later date on the basis of teacher
recommendations if there is sufficient space.
- Instruction. Students accepted into the program participate in an
hour-long class every day, either as part of their math block or during a
separate STEM enrichment block (if available). The school provides an
official teacher of record to help with classroom behavior management, to
assist with instruction, and to complete any needed school record
keeping. Riverbend Community Math Center provides an instructor to meet
with the class every day, bring all handouts and materials that are
needed (unless the school is able to provide some copying or materials
support), and give the teacher of record weekly grade updates for all
students.
- Enrichment Opportunities. Riverbend Community Math Center invites
students to participate in free extra-curricular STEM enrichment programs
that meet outside of school during the academic year or during the
summer.
